GUIDELINES
- Describe how you know the student and how long you have known her.
- Enumerate the applicant's qualities and skills. Refer to the student's academic or other achievements, etc.
- End the letter by restating whether or not you recommend the student in question for admission.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
I am very pleased to recommend Angela Devon for admission to your school. As her homeroom teacher for two years I have watched this young lady develop both academically and personally into a well-rounded and skilled individual.
She has just completed her 7th year at Pasadena Public School. She has passed all her exams with impressive grades. Her grades have been consistently above average in all of her classes, and she has actively participated in a diverse assortment of extracurricular activities ranging from basketball to being the Editor of the school newspaper. Angela is bright, lively, diligent, compassionate and demonstrates good leadership qualities.
It is clear to me that Angela is an exceptional candidate, one that would be of value to your school. I wholeheartedly recommend her and wish her the very best in all future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Sample letter for a former student seeking admission to another school.
Further things to consider when writing reference letters to schools
Reference Letters
Reference letters are letters written to endorse someone's general character and personality. A reference letter differs from a recommendation letter in that the latter supports the person's application for a specific job or education program and is usually addressed to a particular person. A reference letter is more general in nature, refers to the overall character of the person, and is not addressed to anyone in particular. It is normally addressed as "Dear sir/madam," or "To whom it may concern." The person who writes the reference letter is known as the referee, and he/she could be a close friend or colleague.
For you to write good reference letters, you need to know the candidates well to be able to express their best character. Start off with a salutation and the name of the person the letter is about. Write a sentence or two explaining how you know the person and for how long. Mention the strong qualities, characteristics, and strengths of the person in question. Giving brief examples, discuss why you feel the person will be a great addition to office and work culture. Use strong verbs but do not exaggerate. Conclude with your contacts and signature.
Letters to Schools
Letters to schools are letters written to institutions designed to provide learning environment and spaces to pupils and students. There are many times when you may feel the need to write to a school administration. Maybe you want to recommend a student or employee or want to apply for an academic program. Perhaps your child has a disability, and you want to make sure that he/she is receiving special education services. Whatever the issue, putting your thoughts in writing avoids confusion since it provides you and the recipient with a record of your request. It is, therefore, crucial to keep a copy of any letter you send.
All letters to schools must use the standard business letter style. Start your letter with the proper address and salutation. Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your letter clearly and concisely. Depending on the content of your letter, provide any documentation that gives the recipient reference to the case or clarifies your concerns. Keep the tone polite, respectful, and professional. Close by thanking the recipient for his/her time and with a note of anticipation of positive feedback. Sign off and proofread the final draft before sending it.
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